Ian McGowan samples the first delivery for the 2024-25 harvest at Viterra’s Monarto South site. Photo: Viterra

DELIVERIES to Viterra’s South Australian and western Victorian sites are increasing, with growers delivering 149,495 tonnes to the network in the week to Sunday.

In its weekly harvest report, Viterra puts total receivals for the 2024-25 harvest to Sunday at 164,981t.

Viterra said more than 90 percent of the week’s deliveries were barley and lentils going into sites in the bulk-handler’s Western and Central regions.

Sites to receive their first 2024-25 harvest deliveries in the past week were:

• Western region: Witera, Port Neill, Elliston, and Wirrulla;
• Central region: Bowmans, Port Giles, Crystal Brook, Gladstone, and Balaklava;
• Eastern region: Dooen, Monarto South, Werrimull, Pinnaroo, and Strathalbyn.

Viterra Western region operations manager Nick Pratt said Thevenard and Wudinna saw the most activity in the region.

“We’re seeing deliveries start to pick up, and tonnes delivered across our Eyre Peninsula sites increased each weekday,” Mr Pratt said.

“We also had a number of sites open over the weekend around the weather to accommodate growers who were harvesting.

“Deliveries during the week were largely barley.

“Wheat is starting to increase as growers begin harvesting the commodity, and lentil deliveries are continuing.”

Viterra Central region operations manager Jack Tansley said lentils and barley were a focus for growers who have started harvest in the region.

“Wallaroo and Ardrossan received the majority of tonnes into the Central region last week,” Jack says.

“Last week we had nine sites open, and expect to see some of the later areas start their harvest soon.

Viterra Eastern region operations manager Andrew Cannon said five sites in the region received their first 2024-25 loads during the week.

“Harvest is yet to begin for many Eastern region growers, with most open sites receiving limited tonnes so far,” Mr Cannon said.

“Inner Harbour, Loxton and Werrimull received the majority of the 10,000 tonnes delivered to the region last week.

Source: Viterra